Thread: I've made it worse!

Hi all,

Just replaced the starter solenoid on my 270K '97 300tdi Disco after months of vehicle being sometimes slow to turn over or the starter occasionally not engaging at all (ie turn key to starter 'on' and only hear click of relay). Wasn't sure it was the solenoid that was the problem but I'd checked a lot of other possible causes without luck and it seem like one more thing to eliminate.

Unfortunately, now starter doesn't engage at all. I have 12.4v measured across the battery (which is a bit lower than normal), 12.3v with ignition on (I have an electric fuel pump too), 12.2v at the solenoid terminals. With the ignition on, running a wire directly to the excitor (?) terminal on the solenoid results only in a slight slowing of the facet pump with no response from solenoid / starter.

These voltages seem a bit low to me, so is it just a coincidence I've replaced the solenoid and battery voltage happens to be too low for the starter to engage now? Battery is 12 months old and alternator seems to be usually charging it okay.

Previous to replacing the solenoid today, I have also cleaned and checked all the earth straps, connections at the battery terminals, etc. I was also going to bypass the immobiliser spider but if it has one, it isn't in the usual place behind the dash (found that out the hard way, after pulling said dash apart!). Fuel solenoid on the pump is simple push on terminal connection and works fine (ignition off = 12v+ @ terminal, ignition on = 0v @ terminal).

Any ideas?

Thanks
Simon

Thanks Bee Utey, you were right, I messed up refitting the solenoid. I think the little connecting eye thingy popped off while I was trying to align the three bolts that secure solenoid to starter. Had another go at fitting solenoid to starter and all good now

You know, I was going to check if it worked _before_ I refitted to the car but decided it wasn't worth the trouble. I mean, what could possibly go wrong...